HoliDaze

So, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually ready to go back to work. Life might slow down! It seems like every night this week we've had somewhere to go or someone to visit. Whether it was one of 3 parties, 2 get-togethers with friends, or 1 photo session - I think our family is spent.

Here's a brief recap:

Tuesday night we had a birthday party for Dakota which included dinner at the Asian Star - good restaurant, bad parking. Have you ever heard of a restaurant that only had 20 stalls for parking? Come on it's not a drive thru.

Wednesday night was the Great Monopoly Battle of 2006. All the usual players (excluding Chappo) were in attendance, but there was a wild card entry - my Mom. Needless to say, in spite of all the experience amongst Jason, Jeff, Ian, and me, it was the rookie's night to shine and my mom waxed the board with us.

Friday was a friendly encounter as I got together with Bryan and Jeff. It isn't very often that I get to see my friends, so it's always a welcome sight to see the guys again. The only problem with these types of pictures - the photographer has to use a wide angle lens.

Saturday morning saw us take the kids to another photo session - this time with Nana and Papa. It went pretty well as Alex prepped for his moment in the spotlight. Kennedy took a bit longer to primp, but she pulled off the shoot without a hitch.


All I can say is that we're all ready for a long nap at the end of 06'.

2006: A Look Back

Earlier today I started going through pictures of our family throughout the year. Before I knew it, a movie was born. Without further ado - 2006: A Look Back.

Click To Play

Christmas Morning Conversation

For your holiday pleasure we bring you another Christmas conversation with Kennedy. Today we present Jingle Bells. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Christmas is Coming

I have loved watching Kennedy get ready for Christmas this year. This is the first time that she starting to get excited about everything surrounding the holidays. At the beginning of December a couple of the neighbors kids brought Kennedy an advent calendar, you know the kind where you open a door each day and get a special chocolate treat. What kid can resist having a different chocolate everyday for a month. Still, it's been fun to watch her count down each day instead of eating the whole thing on December 1st.

This morning I helped out in the annual 4th Ward tradition of preparing the luminaries for Christmas Eve. This is a very cool project which brings together a lot of people from the neighborhood. All in all, I think there are about 500 candles that are placed around the area on December 24th. I love the idea that we're lighting the arrival of the Christ child, instead of simply getting ready for a special visitor from the North Pole.

Speaking of visitors, we were treated to a little holiday cheer today when the Snow King and Bizmo came to visit. For years, Dick and Julie Engar have gone around the neighborhood regaling the kids with their own brand of unique holiday humor. Rather than jolly old St. Nick, we learn about the Snow King who hails from the South Pole. It's a lot of fun and this was the first time we were actually home to enjoy the show. Kennedy didn't know what to make of the whole thing, neither did Tara for that matter, but when it was over Kennedy leaned out the door and exclaimed, "Thanks for coming Santa!"

Better to Give

I love the tradition of exchanging presents with your neighbors at Christmas. In my mind this is where the phrase, "It's better to give than to receive" came from. Every year we get so many treats that's it's almost impossible not to gain 10 lbs. just in sweets from the neighbors. I would much rather give a treat than receive one any day. Still, since people have been nice enough to drop stuff off I have to taste each one, right - I mean it's only good manners.

So last night we went out to drop off our neighborhood Christmas gifts. Normally, I've never heard of anyone getting a request of what to give to the neighbors, but our Christmas CD was such a hit last year that people were clamoring for more. I didn't mind making another set of yule tide tunes, since I keep a copy for myself as well. Anyway, here's the list of songs from this year's CD:

All I Want for Christmas

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Gayle Peevey
SIlent Night - Sara McLaughlin
All I Want for Christmas - Nat King Cole
Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
Adeste Fideles - Frank Sinatra
Frosty the Snowman - Jimmy Durante
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - James Taylor
Still, Still, Still - Mannheim Steamroller
The Chipmunk Song - Alvin and The Chipmunks
I Wonder as I Wander - Jewel
Mela Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters
The Christmas Eve Song - Peter Breinholt
I've Got my Love to Keep Me Warm - Ella Fitzgerald
Ave Maria - Chris Cornell
Here Comes Santa Claus - Gene Autry
The Chaunakah Song - Adam Sandler
O Tannenbaum - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Oiche Chiun - Enya
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
Auld Lang Syne - Barenaked Ladies

I think it's a pretty eclectic mix. I mean you've got Gene Autry (the Cowboy Crooner) and Chris Cornell (from Soundgarden) on the same playlist. I hope people enjoy the sounds of the season. Next year I think we're giving Fruitcake!!!